Urotensin-II receptor antagonists

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to pyrrolidiones, pharmaceutical compostions containing them and their use as antagonist of urotensin II.

This application claims benefit of Ser. No. 60/172,954 filed Dec. 21, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pyrrolidines, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as antagonists of urotensin II.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The integrated control of cardiovascular homeostasis is achieved through a combination of both direct neuronal control and systemic neurohormonal activation. Although the resultant release of both contractile and relaxant factors is normally under stringent regulation, an aberration in this status quo can result in cardiohemodynamic dysfunction with pathological consequences.

The principal mammalian vasoactive factors that comprise this neurohumoral axis, namely angiotensin-II, endothelin-1, norepinephrine, all function via an interaction with specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Urotensin-II, represents a novel member of this neurohumoral axis.

In the fish, this peptide has significant hemodynamic and endocrine actions in diverse end-organ systems and tissues:

smooth muscle contraction:

both vascular and non-vascular in origin including smooth muscle preparations from the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract. Both pressor and depressor activity has been described upon systemic administration of exogenous peptide

osmoregulation:

effects which include the modulation of transepithelial ion (Na⁺, Cl⁻) transport. Although a diuretic effect has been described, such an effect is postulated to be secondary to direct renovascular effects (elevated GFR)

metabolism:

urotensin-II influences prolactin secretion and exhibits a lipolytic effect in fish (activating triacylglycerol lipase resulting in the mobilization of non-esterified free fatty acids) (Pearson, et. al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 1980, 77, 5021; Conlon, et. al. J. Exp. Zool. 1996, 275, 226.)

In studies with human Urotensin-II it was found that it:

was an extremely potent and efficacious vasoconstrictor

exhibited sustained contractile activity that was extremely resistant to wash out

exhibited sustained contractile activity that was extremely resistant to wash out

had detrimental effects on cardiac performance (myocardial contractility)

Human Urotensin-II was assessed for contractile activity in the rat-isolated aorta and was shown to be the most potent contractile agonist identified to date. Based on the in vitro pharmacology and in vivo hemodynamic profile of human Urotensin-II it plays a pathological role in cardiovascular diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal vasoconstriction and myocardial dysfunction. (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282) Compounds that antagonize the Urotensin-II receptor may be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), COPD, restenosis, asthma, (Hay D W P, Luttmann M A, Douglas S A: 2000, Br J Pharmacol: In press.) neurogenic inflammation and metabolic vasculopathies all of which are characterized by abnormal vasoconstriction and/or myocardial dysfunction. Since U-II and GPR14 are both expressed within the mammalian CNS (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282), they also may be useful in the treatment of addiction, schizophrenia, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, and neuromuscular function. Functional U-II receptors are expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas cell lines and therefore may have oncological indications. Urotensin may also be implicated in various metabolic diseases such as diabetes (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282, Nothacker et al., Nature Cell Biology 1: 383-385, 1999)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect this invention provides for pyrrolidines and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

In a second aspect, this invention provides for the use of pyrrolidines as antagonists of urotensin II, and as inhibitors of urotensin II.

In another aspect, this invention provides for the use of pyrrolidines for treating conditions associated with urotensin II imbalance.

In an yet another aspect, this invention provides for the use of these pyrrolidine analogs for the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation and metabolic vasculopathies, addiction, schizophrenia, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, neuromuscular function, and diabetes.

The urotensin antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selected from the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, vasopeptidase inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and dual non-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are described further in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for compounds of Formula I:

wherein:

R1 is isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl, carbamoylmethyl;

R2 is methyl, phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, quinolinyl, furanyl, thiopheneyl, pyridyl, benzofuranyl, or benzothiophenyl, substituted or unsubstituted by one or two halogen, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy groups;

R3 is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, methoxy, nitro, or 2,3-(1,3-butadien-1,4-yl);

R4 is 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl, 2-(N-methyl anilino)ethyl, 2-(1-piperazinyl)ethyl, 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl)ethyl, (1-methylpyrrolidin-2(S)-yl)methyl, 1-methylpyrrolidin-3(±)-yl, 1-benzylpiperldinyl-4-yl, (6-methylpyrid-2-yl)methyl, 3-dimethylamino benzyl, 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl)pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl, pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl, piperidin-4-yl, pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl, or cis-4-aminocyclohexyl; and

n is 1 or 2;

or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.

When used herein, the terms ‘halogen’ and ‘halo’ include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine and fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, respectively.

The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic and optically active form. All of these compounds and their diastereoisomers are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

R₁ is preferably isobutyl, isopropyl, or benzyl.

R₂ preferably is phenyl, naphthyl, furanyl, thiopheneyl, benzofuranyl, or benzothiopheneyl, substituted or unsubstituted with one or two halogen, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy groups.

R₃ preferably is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, or methoxy.

R₄ is preferably 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 2-(1-piperazinyl)ethyl, 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl)ethyl, 1-methylpyrrolidin-3(±)-yl, 1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl, pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl, piperidin-4-yl, or pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl.

Preferred Compounds are:

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-iodo-3-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-4-iodo-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-chloro-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-bromo-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide;

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-[3-bromo-4-(piperidin-4yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl-amide; and

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-((R)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl-amide.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be prepared as outlined in the following schemes:

Resin-bound amine 3 was prepared by reductive amination of 2,6-dimethoxy-4-polystyrenebenzyloxy-benzaldehyde (DMHB resin) with N-nosylated diamine hydrochloride salt 2 which was prepared from 3(S)-(−)-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-amino)pyrrolidine (1) (Scheme 1). Reactions of resin-bound amine 3 with various amino acids, followed by removal of the protecting group, provided resin-bound amines 4. Amines 4 were then reacted with various acids to afford the corresponding resin-bound amides which were subsequently treated with potassium carbonate and thiophenol to give secondary amines 5. Reductive amination of resin-bound amines 5 with various hydroxy benzaldehydes produced resin-bound phenols 6. Phenols 6 were then reacted with various alcohols in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diisopropyl azodicarboxylate to give the corresponding resin-bound phenol ethers which were treated with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in 1,2-dichloroethane to afford targetted compounds 7.

As shown in scheme 2, bis-nosylates 8 were synthesized from various commercially available or known hydroxyphenethyl alcohols. Phenols 9 were prepared by reactions of previously synthesized amines 5 (scheme 1) with bis-nosylates 8 in the presence of tetrabutylammonium iodide, followed by hydrolysis of the resulting mononosylate intermediates. Phenols 9 were then reacted with various alcohols in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diisopropyl azodicarboxylate to give the corresponding resin-bound phenol ethers which were treated with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in 1,2-dichloroethane to afford targetted compounds 10.

In order to use a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of humans and other mammals it is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be administered in a standard manner for the treatment of the indicated diseases, for example orally, parenterally, sub-lingually, transdermally, rectally, via inhalation or via buccal administration.

Compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally can be formulated as syrups, tablets, capsules and lozenges. A syrup formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or salt in a liquid carrier for example, ethanol, peanut oil, olive oil, glycerine or water with a flavoring or coloring agent. Where the composition is in the form of a tablet, any pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing solid formulations may be used. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, terra alba, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid, starch, lactose and sucrose. Where the composition is in the form of a capsule, any routine encapsulation is suitable, for example using the aforementioned carriers in a hard gelatin capsule shell. Where the composition is in the form of a soft gelatin shell capsule any pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing dispersions or suspensions may be considered, for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and are incorporated in a soft gelatin capsule shell.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or salt in a sterile aqueous or non-aqueous carrier optionally containing a parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil, or sesame oil.

Typical compositions for inhalation are in the form of a solution, suspension or emulsion that may be administered as a dry powder or in the form of an aerosol using a conventional propellant such as dichlorodifluoromethane or trichlorofluoromethane.

A typical suppository formulation comprises a compound of Formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is active when administered in this way, with a binding and/or lubricating agent, for example polymeric glycols, gelatins, cocoa-butter or other low melting vegetable waxes or fats or their synthetic analogues.

Typical transdermal formulations comprise a conventional aqueous or non-aqueous vehicle, for example a cream, ointment, lotion or paste or are in the form of a medicated plaster, patch or membrane.

Preferably the composition is in unit dosage form, for example a tablet, capsule or metered aerosol dose, so that the patient may administer to themselves a single dose.

Each dosage unit for oral administration contains suitably from 0.1 mg to 500 mg/Kg, and preferably from 1 mg to 100 mg/Kg, and each dosage unit for parenteral administration contains suitably from 0.1 mg to 100 mg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. Each dosage unit for intranasal administration contains suitably 1-400 mg and preferably 10 to 200 mg per person. A topical formulation contains suitably 0.01 to 1.0% of a compound of Formula (I).

The daily dosage regimen for oral administration is suitably about 0.01 mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosage regimen for parenteral administration is suitably about 0.001 mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosage regimen for intranasal administration and oral inhalation is suitably about 10 to about 500 mg/person. The active ingredient may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, sufficient to exhibit the desired activity.

These pyrrolidine analogs may be used for the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation and metabolic vasculopathies, addiction, schizophrenia, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, neuromuscular function, and diabetes.

The urotensin antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selected from the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, vasopeptidase inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and dual non-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

No unacceptable toxicological effects are expected when compounds of the invention are administered in accordance with the present invention.

The biological activity of the compounds of Formula (I) are demonstrated by the following tests:

Radioligand Binding

HEK-293 cell membranes containing stable cloned human and rat GPR-14 (20 ug/assay) were incubated with 200 pM [125I] h-U-II (200 Ci/mmol⁻¹ in the presence of increasing concentrations of test compounds in DMSO (0.1 nM to 10 uM), in a final incubation volume of 200 ul (20 mM Tris-HCl, 5 mM MgCl2). Incubation was done for 30 minutes at room temperature followed by filtration GF/B filters with Brandel cell harvester. ¹²⁵I labeled U-II binding was quantitated by gamma counting. Nonspecific binding was defined by ¹²⁵I U-II binding in the presence of 100 nM of unlabeled human U-II. Analysis of the data was performed by nonlinear least square fitting.

Ca²⁺-mobilization

A microtitre plate based Ca²⁺-mobilization FLIPR assay (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) was used for the functional identification of the ligand activating HEK-293 cells expressing (stable) recombinant GPR-14. The day following transfection, cells were plated in a poly-D-lysine coated 96 well black/clear plates. After 18-24 hours the media was aspirated and Fluo 3AM-loaded cells were exposed to various concentrations (10 nM to 30 uM) of test compounds followed by h-U-II. After initiation of the assay, fluorescence was read every second for one minute and then every 3 seconds for the following one minute. The inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50)was calculated for various test compounds.

Inositol Phosphates Assays

HEK-293-GPR14 cells in T150 flask were prelabeled overnight with 1 uCi myo-[³H] inositol per ml of inositol free Dulbecco's modified Eagel's medium. After labeling, the cells were washed twice with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) and then incubated in DPBS containing 10 mM LiCl for 10 min at 37° C. The experiment was initiated by the addition of increasing concentrations of h-U-II (1 pM to 1 μM ) in the absence and presence of three different concentrations (0.3, 1 and 10 uM) of test compounds and the incubation continued for an additional 5 min at 37° C. after which the reaction was terminated by the addition of 10% (final concentration) trichloroacetic acid and centrifugation. The supernatants were neutralized with 100 ul of 1M Trizma base and the inositol phosphates were separated on AG 1-X8 columns (0.8 ml packed, 100-200 mesh) in formate phase. Inositol monophosphate was eluted with 8 ml of 200 mM ammonium formate. Combined inositol di and tris phosphate was eluted with 4 ml of 1M ammonium formate/0.1 M formic acid. Eluted fractions were counted in beta scintillation counter. Based on shift from the control curve K_(B) was calculated.

Activity for the compounds of this invention range from (radioligand binding assay): Ki=1 nM-10000 nM (example 15 Ki=390 nM)

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide

a) 3(S)-amino-N-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)pyrrolidine HCl Salt

To a solution of 3(S)-(−)-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-amino)pyrrolidine (20.12 g, 108 mmol) in 250 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride at 0° C. was added 13.1 mL (162 mmol) of anhydrous pyridine, followed by slow addition of 25.2 g (113.4 mmol) of 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride. The mixture was warmed to rt over 1 h and was stirred at rt for 16 h. The mixture was poured into 300 mL of 1 M aqueous NaHCO₃ solution. After the resulting mixture was stirred at rt for 30 min, the organic layer was separated and was washed with 500 mL of 1N aqueous HCl solution twice. The resulting organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was used for the the next step without furthur purification.

To a mixture of the above residue in 140 mL of anhydrous MeOH was added 136 mL (544 mmol) of 4 M HCl in 1,4-dioxane solution. The mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h, concentrated in vacuo and further dried in vaccum oven at 35° C. for 24 h to yield 3(S)-amino-N-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)pyrrolidine HCl salt as a yellow solid (30.5 g, 92% over the two steps): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ8.63 (s, 3H), 8.08-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.96-7.83 (m, 2H), 3.88-3.77 (m, 1H), 3.66-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.46-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.28-2.16 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.96 (m, 1H).

b) Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic Acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide

To a mixture of 7.20 g (10.37 mmol, 1.44 mmol/g) of 2,6-dimethoxy-4-polystyrenebenzyloxy-benzaldehyde (DMHB resin) in 156 mL of 1% acetic acid in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 9.56 g (31.1 mmol) of example 1a and 9.03 mL (51.84 mmol) of diisopropylethyl amine, followed by addition of 11.0 g (51.84 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 72 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×250 mL), CH₂Cl_(2/)MeOH (1:1, 3×250 mL) and MeOH (3×250 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. Elemental analysis N, 4.16; S, 3.12.

To a mixture of 800 mg (0.860 mmol, 1.075 mmol/g) of the above resin in 15 mL of anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 1.52 g (4.30 mmol) of Fmoc-Leu-OH and 117 mg (0.86 mmol) of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole, followed by addition of 0.82 mL (5.16 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 24 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×25 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×25 mL) and MeOH (3×25 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 607 [M+H]⁺.

The above resin (0.860 mmol) was treated with 15 mL of 20% piperidine in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution. After the mixture was shaken at rt for 15 min, the solution was drained and another 15 mL of 20% piperidine in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution was added. The mixture was shaken at rt for another 15 min. The solution was drained and the resin was washed with DMF (3×25 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×25 mL) and MeOH (3×25 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 385 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of 200 mg (0.1918 mmol, 0.959 mmol/g) of the above dry resin in 5 mL of anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 267.3 mg (1.50 mmol) of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid and 41 mg (0.30 mmol) of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole, followed by addition of 0.28 mL (1.80 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 24 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS ESI) 545 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0. 1918 mmol) in 6.4 mL of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 265 mg (1.918 mmol) of K₂CO₃ and 0.0985 mL (0.96 mmol) of PhSH. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 2 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), H₂O (3×10 mL), DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 719 [2M+H]⁺, 360 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 6.4 mL of 10% HOAc in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution was added 234 mg (1.918 mmol) of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 407 mg (1.918 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 72 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 466 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 10.7 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added 227 □L (1.918 mmol) of 3-dimethylaminopropanol and 503 mg (1.918 mmol) of triphenylphosphine. After the mixture was cooled to −78° C., 378 □L (1.918 mmol) of diisopropyl azodicarboxylate was added to the cold mixture. The resulting mixture was kept at −70° C. for 30 min while shaking. The mixture was then allowed to warm to 0° C. over 1 h and shaken at rt for 16 h. The resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. The dry resin was treated with 4 mL of 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane at rt for 2 h. After the cleavage solution was collected, the resin was treated with another 4 mL of 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane at rt for 10 min. The combined cleavage solutions were concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified using a Gilson semi-preparative HPLC system with a YMC ODS-A (C-18) column 50 mm by 20 mm ID, eluting with 10% B to 90% B in 3.2 min, hold for 1 min where A=H₂O (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) and B=CH₃CN (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) pumped at 25 mL/min, to produce benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide as a bis-trifluoroacetic acid salt (white powder, 101 mg, 68% over 7 steps): MS (ESI) 551 [M+H]⁺.

Compounds derived from Scheme 1: Example R1 R2 X R3 R4 MS (ES+) m/e 2 (S)-isobutyl 2-naphthyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 545 (M + H) 3 (S)-isobutyl phenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 495 (M + H) 4 (S)-isobutyl 5-benzimidazolyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 535 (M + H) 5 (S)-isobutyl 2-indolyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 534 (M + H) 6 (S)-isobutyl 3,4-methylene 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 539 dioxyphenyl (M + H) 7 (S)-isobutyl benzofuran-2-yl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 535 (M + H) 8 (S)-isobutyl 2-quinolinyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 546 (M + H) 9 (S)- 3,4-dichloro 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 549 isopropyl phenyl (M + H) 10 (S)- 4-bromophenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 559 isopropyl (M + H) 11 (S)- 2-furanyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 471 isopropyl (M + H) 12 (S)- 3,4-methylene 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 539 isopropyl dioxybenzyl (M + H) 13 (S)-benzyl phenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 529 (M + H) 14 (S)-benzyl 3,4-dichloro 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 597 phenyl (M + H) 15 (S)-benzyl 4-bromophenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 607 (M + H) 16 (S)-benzyl benzofuran-2-yl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 569 (M + H) 17 (S)-benzyl 4,5-dimethyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 547 furan-2-yl (M + H) 18 (S)-benzyl 3,4-methylene 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 587 dioxybenzyl (M + H) 19 (S)- 4-bromophenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 574 carbamoylmethyl (M + H) 20 (S)- benzofuran-2-yl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 536 carbamoylmethyl (M + H) 21 (S)-isobutyl 3,4-dichloro 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 563 phenyl (M + H) 22 (S)-isobutyl 4-bromophenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 573 (M + H) 23 (S)-isobutyl 2-furanyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 485 (M + H) 24 (S)-isobutyl 6-methyl-2-pyridyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 510 (M + H) 25 (S)-isobutyl thiophene-2-yl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 501 (M + H) 26 (S)-isobutyl 3,4-methylene 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 539 dioxyphenyl (M + H) 27 (S)-isobutyl methyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 433 (M + H) 28 (S)-isobutyl 4,5-dimethyl-2- 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 513 furanyl (M + H) 29 (S)-isobutyl 4-pyridyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 496 (M + H) 30 (S)-isobutyl 3,4-methylene 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 553 dioxybenzyl (M + H) 31 (R)-isobutyl 3,4-dichloro 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 563 phenyl (M + H) 32 (R)-isobutyl 4-bromophenyl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 573 (M + H) 33 (R)-isobutyl benzofuran-2-yl 4-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 535 (M + H) 34 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy H 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 551 2-yl (M + H) 35 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 677 2-yl (M + H) 36 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 601 2-yl butadien- (M + H) 1,4-yl) 37 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 581 2-yl methoxy (M + H) 38 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 565 2-yl (M + H) 39 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 3-dimethyl aminopropyl 629 2-yl (M + H) 40 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl 563 2-yl (M + H) 41 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl 689 2-yl (M + H) 42 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl 593 2-yl methoxy (M + H) 43 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl 577 2-yl (M + H) 44 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) ethyl 641 2-yl (M + H) 45 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 2-(1-morpholino) ethyl 579 2-yl (M + H) 46 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 2-(1-morpholino) ethyl 705 2-yl (M + H) 47 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 2-(1-morpholino) ethyl 593 2-yl (M + H) 48 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 2-(1-morpholino) ethyl 657 2-yl (M + H) 49 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 2-(N-methyl 649 2-yl butadien- anilino)ethyl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 50 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 2-(N-methyl 629 2-yl methoxy anilino)ethyl (M + H) 51 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 2-(N-methyl 613 2-yl anilino)ethyl (M + H) 52 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 578 2-yl (M + H) 53 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy H 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 578 2-yl (M + H) 54 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 704 2-yl (M + H) 55 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 628 2-yl butadien- (M + H) 1,4-yl) 56 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 608 2-yl methoxy (M + H) 57 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 612 2-yl (M + H) 58 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 592 2-yl (M + H) 59 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 2-(1-piperazinyl) ethyl 656 2-yl (M + H) 60 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl) 627 2-yl butadien- ethyl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 61 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl) 591 2-yl ethyl (M + H) 62 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 563 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 63 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy H (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 563 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 64 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 689 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 65 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 613 2-yl butadien- 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 66 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 593 2-yl methoxy 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 67 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 597 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 68 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 577 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 69 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo (1-methyl pyrrolidin- 641 2-yl 2(S)-yl)methyl (M + H) 70 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 549 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 71 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy H 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 549 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 72 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 675 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 73 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 599 2-yl butadien- 3(±)-yl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 74 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 579 2-yl methoxy 3(±)-yl (M + H) 75 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 583 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 76 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 563 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 77 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 1-methyl pyrrolidin- 627 2-yl 3(±)-yl (M + H) 78 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 639 2-yl (M + H) 79 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 765 2-yl (M + H) 80 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 669 2-yl methoxy (M + H) 81 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 673 2-yl (M + H) 82 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-methyl 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 653 2-yl (M + H) 83 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 1-benzyl piperidin-4-yl 717 2-yl (M + H) 84 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H (6-methylpyrid-2- 571 2-yl yl)methyl (M + H) 85 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 3-dimethylamino 599 2-yl benzyl (M + H) 86 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 3-oxy 4-iodo 3-dimethylamino 725 2-yl benzyl (M + H) 87 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 3-dimethylamino 649 2-yl butadien- benzyl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 88 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro 3-dimethylamino 633 2-yl benzyl (M + H) 89 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy H 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl) 578 2-yl pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl (M + H) 90 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2,3-(1,3- 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl) 628 2-yl butadien- pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl (M + H) 1,4-yl) 91 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 2- 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl) 608 2-yl methoxy pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl (M + H) 92 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-chloro 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl) 612 2-yl pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl (M + H) 93 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl) 656 2-yl pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl (M + H) 94 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo piperidin-4-yl 627 2-yl (M + H) 95 (S)-isobutyl benzo[b]thiophene- 4-oxy 3-bromo pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 613 2-yl (M + H)

EXAMPLE 96 Preparation of Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic Acid [(S)-3-methyl-1-((S)-1-{2-[4-((S)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl}-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

a) 2-nitrobenzenesulfonic Acid 2-[4-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl Ester

To a mixture of 2.76 g (20 mmol) of 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol in 70 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran at rt was added 4.8 g (200 mmol) of sodium hydride (95%, dry powder). After stirring at rt for 10 min, 18.5 g (80 mmol) of 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride was added. After the resulting mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h, 250 mL of ether was added. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and water was slowly added to the mixture to quench excess sodium hydride. After quenching process was completed, additional 300 mL of water was added. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water and dried in vacuo to yield 2-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid 2-[4-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl ester as a white powder (9.13 g, 90%): MS (ESI) 509 [M+H]⁺.

b) Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic Acid [(S)-3-methyl-1-((S)-1-{2-[4-((S)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl}-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide

To a mixture of 7.20 g (10.37 mmol, 1.44 mmol/g) of 2,6-dimethoxy-4-polystyrenebenzyloxy-benzaldehyde (DMHB resin) in 156 mL of 1% acetic acid in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 9.56 g (31.1 mmol) of example 1a and 9.03 mL (51.84 mmol) of diisopropylethyl amine, followed by addition of 11.0 g (51.84 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 72 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×250 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×250 mL) and MeOH (3×250 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. Elemental analysis N, 4.16; S, 3.12.

To a mixture of 800 mg (0.860 mmol, 1.075 mmol/g) of the above resin in 15 mL of anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 1.52 g (4.30 mmol) of Fmoc-Leu-OH and 117 mg (0.86 mmol) of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole, followed by addition of 0.82 mL (5.16 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 24 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×25 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×25 mL) and MeOH (3×25 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 607 [M+H]⁺.

The above resin (0.860 mmol) was treated with 15 mL of 20% piperidine in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution. After the mixture was shaken at rt for 15 min, the solution was drained and another 15 mL of 20% piperidine in anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution was added. The mixture was shaken at rt for another 15 min. The solution was drained and the resin was washed with DMF (3×25 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×25 mL) and MeOH (3×25 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 385 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of 200 mg (0.191 8 mmol, 0.959 mmol/g) of the above dry resin in 5 mL of anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 267.3 mg (1.50 mmol) of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid and 41 mg (0.30 mmol) of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole, followed by addition of 0.28 mL (1.80 mmol) of 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 24 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 545 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 6.4 mL of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added 265 mg (1.918 mmol) of K₂CO₃ and 0.0985 mL (0.96 mmol) of PhSH. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 2 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), H₂O (3×10 mL), DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 719 [2M+H]⁺, 360 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 6.4 mL of anhydrous 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solution was added 468 mg (0.959 mmol) of 2-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid 2-[4-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl ester and 708 mg (1.918 mmol) of tetrabutylammonium iodide. After the resulting mixture was shaken at rt for 8 days and subsequently at 65° C. for 20 h, the resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and THF (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 665 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 5 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added 246 mg (1.918 mmol) of potassium trimethylsilanolate (90%). After the mixture was shaken at rt for 16 h, the resin was washed with THF (3×10 mL) and CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 6×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. An analytical amount of resin was cleaved with 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane for 2 h at rt. The resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo: MS (ESI) 480 [M+H]⁺.

To a mixture of the above dry resin (0.1918 mmol) in 10.7 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added 359 mg (1.918 mmol) of (R)-3-hydroxy-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (Kucznierz, et. al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 4983-4994) and 503 mg (1.918 mmol) of triphenylphosphine. After the mixture was cooled to −78° C., 378 μL (1.918 mmol) of diisopropyl azodicarboxylate was added to the cold mixture. The resulting mixture was kept at −70° C. for 30 min while shaking. The mixture was then allowed to warm to 0° C. over 1 h and shaken at rt for 16 h. The resin was washed with DMF (3×10 mL), CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1, 3×10 mL) and MeOH (3×10 mL). The resulting resin was dried in vacuum oven at 35° C. for 24 h. The dry resin was treated with 4 mL of 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane at rt for 2 h. After the cleavage solution was collected, the resin was treated with another 4 mL of 50% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane at rt for 10 min. The combined cleavage solutions were concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified using a Gilson semi-preparative HPLC system with a YMC ODS-A (C-18) column 50 mm by 20 mm ID, eluting with 10% B to 90% B in 3.2 min, hold for 1 min where A=H₂O (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) and B=CH₃CN (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) pumped at 25 mL/min, to produce benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-3-methyl-1-((S)-1-{2-[4-((S)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-ethyl}-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl)-butyl]-amide as a bis-trifluoroacetic acid salt (clear oil, 22 mg, 21% over 8 steps): MS (ESI) 549 [M+H]⁺.

Compounds derived from Scheme 1: Example R1 R2 X R3 R4 MS (ES+) m/e 97 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy H piperidin-4-yl 563 (M + H) 98 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-fluoro piperidin-4-yl 581 (M + H) 99 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-chloro piperidin-4-yl 597 (M + H) 100 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-bromo piperidin-4-yl 641 (M + H) 101 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-methoxy piperidin-4-yl 593 (M + H) 102 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy H piperidin-4-yl 563 (M + H) 103 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy 4-methoxy piperidin-4-yl 593 (M + H) 104 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-fluoro pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 567 (M + H) 105 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-chloro pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 583 (M + H) 106 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-bromo pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 627 (M + H) 107 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-methoxy pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 579 (M + H) 108 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-nitro pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 594 (M + H) 109 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy H pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 549 (M + H) 110 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy 4-methoxy pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl 579 (M + H) 111 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy H cis-4- 577 (M + H) aminocyclohexyl 112 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy H cis-4- 577 (M + H) aminocyclohexyl 113 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-fluoro pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 567 (M + H) 114 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-chloro pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 583 (M + H) 115 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-bromo pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 627 (M + H) 116 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-methoxy pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 579 (M + H) 117 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 4-oxy 3-nitro pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 594 (M + H) 118 isobutyl benzothiophen-2-yl 3-oxy 4-methoxy pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl 579 (M + H)

EXAMPLE 119

Formulations for pharmaceutical use incorporating compounds of the present invention can be prepared in various forms and with numerous excipients. Examples of such formulations are given below.

Tablets/Ingredients Per Tablet 1. Active ingredient 40 mg (Cpd of Form. I) 2. Corn Starch 20 mg 3. Alginic acid 20 mg 4. Sodium Alginate 20 mg 5. Mg stearate 1.3 mg 2.3 mg

Procedure for Tablets

Step 1 Blend ingredients No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 in a suitable mixer/blender.

Step 2 Add sufficient water portion-wise to the blend from Step 1 with careful mixing after each addition. Such additions of water and mixing until the mass is of a consistency to permit its conversion to wet granules.

Step 3 The wet mass is converted to granules by passing it through an oscillating granulator using a No. 8 mesh (2.38 mm) screen.

Step 4 The wet granules are then dried in an oven at 140° F. (60° C.) until dry.

Step 5 The dry granules are lubricated with ingredient No. 5.

Step 6 The lubricated granules are compressed on a suitable tablet press.

Inhalant Formulation

A compound of Formula I, (1 mg to 100 mg) is aerosolized from a metered dose inhaler to deliver the desired amount of drug per use.

Parenteral Formulation

A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration is prepared by dissolving an appropriate amount of a compound of formula I in polyethylene glycol with heating. This solution is then diluted with water for injections Ph Eur. (to 100 ml). The solution is then sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 micron membrane filter and sealed in sterile containers.

The above specification and Examples fully disclose how to make and use the compounds of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove, but includes all modifications thereof within the scope of the following claims. The various references to journals, patents and other publications which are cited herein comprise the state of the art and are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula (I):

wherein: R1 is isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl, carbamoylmethyl; R2 is methyl, phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, quinolinyl, furanyl, thiopheneyl, pyridyl, benzofuranyl, or benzothiophenyl, substituted or unsubstituted by one or two halogen, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy groups; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, methoxy, nitro, or 2,3-(1,3-butadien-1,4-yl); R4 is 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl, 2-(N-methyl anilino)ethyl, 2-(1-piperazinyl)ethyl, 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl)ethyl, (1-methylpyrrolidin-2(S)-yl)methyl, 1-methylpyrrolidin-3(±)-yl, 1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl, (6-methylpyrid-2-yl)methyl, 3-dimethylamino benzyl, 2(S)-(aminocarbonyl)pyrrolidin-4(S)-yl, pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl, piperidin-4-yl, pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl, or cis-4-aminocyclohexyl; and n is 1 or 2; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is isobutyl, isopropyl, or benzyl; R₂ is phenyl, naphthyl, furanyl, thiopheneyl, benzofuranyl, or benzothiopheneyl, substituted or unsubstituted with one or two halogen, methyl, methoxy, or methylenedioxy groups; R₃ is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, or methoxy; R₄ is 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 2-(1-piperazinyl)ethyl, 2-(1-pyrrolidinonyl)ethyl, 1-methylpyrrolidin-3(±)-yl, 1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl, pyrrolidin-3(S)-yl, piperidin-4-yl, or pyrrolidin-3(R)-yl; and n is
 1. 3. A compound of claim 1 chosen from: Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-iodo-3-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-4iodo-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-chloro-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-bromo-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbamoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbomoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide; and Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ((S)-1-{(S)-1-[3-bromo-4((R)-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-pyrrolidin-3-ylcarbomoyl}-3-methyl-butyl)-amide.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 5. A method of treating conditions associated with Urotensin-II imbalance by antagonizing the Urotensin-II receptor which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, a compound of Formula I of claim
 1. 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the disease is congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease, angina, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrythmias, essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation metabolic vasculopathies, addiction, schizophrenia, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, neuromuscular function, or diabetes. 